If you are new to the world of video streaming services, you might have a lot of questions. What is it exactly? How does it work? Is it worth it? What options do I have? Also, you will discover that there are several video streaming services out there, so how do you know which one is right for you?
What is It?
First, you must understand what video streaming is and how it works. It is a service that allows you to watch videos, which may consist of movies, TV shows, or even trailers. Not just that, it is a cost-effective way to watch some of your favorite movies and TV shows. If you are a cable TV subscriber, you have likely complained at least once about the cost of your service.
Cable is an expensive entertainment option for many. According to NBC News, on average, people pay $99 a month for cable TV service. Perhaps that explains why more than half of cable TV subscribers now choose Video streaming over the cost of traditional cable. Video streaming services charge a fraction of the price.
Many streaming services will cost you under $10 a month for access to a library of movies and TV shows available for instant streaming. Part of what makes that so enticing is that you can watch whatever video you want. You do not have to wait for your favorite movie or TV show to come on TV like you do with cable. You can scroll through a library and select the movie or show you want to see.
Is It Worth It?
People who pay high prices for cable often agree that video streaming services are worth the switch. Making the switch allows you to save money each month. Some people report savings of almost $100 or more depending on the services they pick. You will discover that there are different service options available to you.
Determining if video streaming services are worth it will depend on which option you choose. If you do not choose one that is right for you, it might not seem like a worthwhile choice after all. Make sure you choose a streaming service that offers you much of what you want and need. Of course, you will need to make sure you have the right hardware for streaming.
In most situations, people already have the hardware they need. For instance, you will need a way to connect to the internet. If you have internet service, you are all set. If you do not have internet service, you will need to sign up. You can also use the service if you have mobile data on a tablet, smartphone, or other streaming-friendly device.
Some people opt to by a small USB device that plugs into their TV so they can enjoy video streaming services. USB devices made for your TV for video streaming services vary in price. Overall, however, you will find that purchasing hardware that allows you to enjoy video streaming is still more cost effective than paying for cable TV.
What Are Your Options?
You will realize that you have several video streaming options available. How are you supposed to choose one when there are that many options laid out before you? When video streaming was a new idea, it was easier for people to make their choice. Netflix was one of the only streaming services available that offered the right price and service options people wanted.
There are so many options beyond Netflix now. You have DirecTV, Sling, Vudu, Hulu, Amazon Video, and so many others. So, which one is right for you? The answer to that will depend on what you are wanting from a video streaming service. For instance, are you looking for live video streaming services?
Live video streaming mimics your cable experience. Rather than choosing from an available library of movies and shows, you get to surf through popular TV channels, such as Fox, Disney, AMC, and more. Live video streaming provides many of the same channels you would receive with a cable TV package with the exception of hit movie channels, like Starz and HBO.
Many movie channels have their own streaming options you might want to consider, though. Otherwise, you can enjoy the cable-like experience of live video streaming without paying cable-like prices. Live streaming video services often charge half or even less than half of what you pay on your monthly cable bill.
In truth, not all video streaming services are created equal. Each one will offer pros and cons that you need to pay attention to so you can choose the one that is right for you. For instance, Netflix, one of the original streaming services, is great for people who prefer a library of movies and shows.
Netflix offers different package options, too. For the lowest price, you can enjoy standard definition videos played on one screen at a time. If you decide to pay more, you can enjoy high-definition videos on two screens or even Ultra High Definition videos on four screens at a time.
Hulu is also an option for people who prefer a library of movies and TV shows. However, Hulu focuses more on TV shows in comparison to movies. Netflix offers more movies than Hulu. However, Hulu releases shows usually within a few hours to a few days of them airing live on TV. Netflix, on the other hand, usually does not release a TV show until the season is over.
The service you choose will depend on your preferences. Do you enjoy movies or TV shows? Are you okay with waiting and binge watching or would you prefer to see your favorite shows soon after they air on TV? Do you prefer a library of choices or would you rather have an experience that mimics cable TV? Make sure you know what you want before you make your choice.
Internet for Streaming
You need to have the internet to enjoy streaming. There are several internet options available, but not all of them offer the best connection for streaming. If you plan on paying for a streaming service, make sure your internet provider can keep up. You might have to call your ISP to find out if they have a streaming package available.
A streaming package increases your download and upload rate to support streaming. The best internet service for streaming video will provide a streaming package. Many internet service providers offer packages to keep customers happy based on their internet usage preferences. For instance, if a person simply browses the internet and checks email, they do not need anything beyond basic internet.
If, however, a person wants to streaming music, movies, and TV shows, they may want to opt for a package that offers a higher data limit and better internet speeds. There are many popular ISPs available such as Cox, Verizon, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable, Mediacom, and more. You may also discover a local internet provider near you that can offer you the services capable of supporting video streaming.
Having good internet also lets you stream your own videos. In this day and age, video streaming is a big deal. People do not just stream movies and TV shows. They also create videos that they stream to others. As long as you have a streaming video hosting service and the right internet service, you can watch streaming videos or stream your own.
Overall
Overall, video streaming is the way of the future. Long gone are the days when people would surf through channels endlessly searching for something to watch. It is not uncommon for cable subscribers to experience boredom because they lack something entertaining to watch. Fortunately, streaming services give you the option of choosing what you want to watch instead.
You can browse through a library of assorted TV shows and movies until you find something that capture your interest. Many streaming services continually add new movies and shows often, which means you can experience new content rather than the same, boring library. Streaming services understand the demand for fresh content to keep people entertained.
It is often nice to pay far less than expensive cable prices and experience a greater sense of freedom and control. You also gain a better variety of entertainment, too. Of course, finding the right services is important for your overall experience. Using the guide above, you can surely find the streaming service and internet package that is right for you.
Keep in mind that many video streaming services offer a free trial. It might be best to try different services using their free trial option, first. If you try each service, it will be easier for you to decide which one you like best. After the trial ends, you can make your choice based on the service that provided you the best experience.
Most services offer trials that last a few days to a week or more. You will either have to cancel or the service will bill you after the trial period ends. Services offer monthly subscription options that allow you to continue enjoying video streaming for a fee. Make sure you choose a service and subscription that you enjoy so you get your money’s worth.
